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kk21 Apr 30th, 2007 09:33 PM

What do you wear on the plane?
 
I;m wondering what you recommend wearing on the plane. Seems like it's always cold. We fly on May 19 from Chicago to Amsterdam and then on to Florence. I'm not sure what kind of weather to expect in Italy at the end of May, beginning of June. Don't want to overdress on the plane but definitely want to be comfortable without looking sloppy. I'd love to know what you like to wear and bring for comfort! Thanks!

kerouac Apr 30th, 2007 10:01 PM

Oh, the thought of a cold plane! That would be heaven. Every plane I take is heated like a nursing home.

cafegoddess Apr 30th, 2007 10:30 PM

Wear something comfortable but not sloppy. I always bring my cashmere blanket in case the plane gets too cold for me and on long overnight flights I change to my joga pants so that I can sleep better. And don't forget to drink lots of water.

Have a good trip.



gard Apr 30th, 2007 10:35 PM

Hi

When it comes to long haul flights I try to wear something that is very comfy...normally I don't care if it looks good or not as long as I know I will be confortable in it on a long flight :d And it is best not to overdress...if it gets cold you can always ask for a blanket.

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Carrybean May 1st, 2007 01:32 AM

Slip-on shoes, usually black or navy slacks with a bit of stretch in them & either a white blouse or T-shirt with a pull-over cashmere sweater since I usually get cold on planes also.

Dark colors help hide any stains from spills. I find jeans uncomfortable.

It's just a theory of mine but I tend to think you're treated better if you look more presentable rather than if you've just finished washing your car.

rachw May 1st, 2007 03:33 AM

A 'nicer' sweatpant with tee and matching jacket for any chills.

beaupeep May 1st, 2007 03:37 AM

A nice sweatpant? - doesn't exist. Sorry, sweatpants should not be worn in any public place but the gym. They're tacky.

smoot60 May 1st, 2007 03:41 AM

Try to shop at Chico's and look for their knit pieces. They come in black and are stretchy and very comfortable for travel. They don't wrinkle and look pretty good!

Dukey May 1st, 2007 03:44 AM

Oh, just what we need...airline fashion police.

Rhea58 May 1st, 2007 04:07 AM

Not wear but to bring is my own pillowcase w/pillow (use theirs for
lower back support) & socks w/treads
to walk around in.

flatfeet May 1st, 2007 05:34 AM

I always wear a long, comfortable skirt (much better than wearing pants on a plane for 12 hrs), a cashmere hoodie, and bring a large wrap. I wear sandals while walking around on the plane or going to the bathroom but bring socks to change into while in my seat.

randola May 1st, 2007 05:38 AM

i plan on wearing my jeans onto the plane and changig into sleep pants for the overnite....will change back before we land. comfort always wins with me!

BTilke May 1st, 2007 05:55 AM

I like to wear natural fibers on a plane. I've been "scarified" by the stories of synthetic fabrics melting into people's skin when planes have caught fire, even though I know perfectly well these are extremely rare occurrence and at any rate, in such a case, my clothes would probably be the least of my concerns. But anyway, I go with natural fibers and layers...linen blend pants, short sleeve or sleevless cotton top with a cotton sweater. Warm enough for chilly plane AC and cool enough for warm temps on arrival. Always slip on shoes with socks, my feet would freeze on the plane without socks...if I'm flying to someplace hot, I stick a pair of lightweight sandals in my carryon (along with a change of clothing in case my suitcase goes AWOL).

amsdon May 1st, 2007 05:56 AM

Sounds good but I have never changed clothes on a plane thinking the space in the bathroom is just too tiny, Or do you have a secret changing place?


randola May 1st, 2007 06:04 AM

lol....i will just do a balancing/ squeezing act in the bathroom....not putting bare feet on those floors,,,will change into slipper sox at my seat after

jgarvey May 1st, 2007 06:13 AM

Pants that are thin and comfortable cotton or linen--elastic or draw string waist essential. Light-weight hoody over sleeveless tank, so layers can be added or removed. Pashmina can serve many purposes and is great to have along. Slip on and off shoes, and definitely socks. (Also, you really don't want to have bare feet when you have to go through security.) Sleeping mask and earplugs. Advil or Excedrin in purse, also some Tums or Rolaids. Packets of sanitizing hand wipes, kleenex, and moisturizer or lotion. Something good to read, or new language book or tape. Neck pillow or travel pillow of your own.

Good luck, enjoy!


mr_go May 1st, 2007 06:19 AM

I'm taking the longest flight of my life in June, heading to Sydney from Chicago (via LAX). I'll be wearing cotton khakis and a long-sleeve polo. If it gets warm, I can push the sleeves up.

crefloors May 1st, 2007 06:19 AM

I know some don't like them, but I always wear black stretch jeans. I don't wear tight jeans anymore...just contributes to the "muffin top", so with the added stretch, I find them very comfortable, and they keep my legs warm. They also aren't all wrinkled when I get off the plane. I wear a knit top and have a sweater or knit jacket that I can either leave on or take off on the plane. I wear slip on shoes with light weight sox.

Sarvowinner May 1st, 2007 06:26 AM

Knit tops and pants with a bit of spandex. Not too tight. A large pashmina. Inflatable neck cushion. slip on shoes.

nbujic May 1st, 2007 06:27 AM

'Oh, the thought of a cold plane! That would be heaven. Every plane I take is heated like a nursing home.'
ditto.
I find most planes too hot!. June in Italy - also hot.
No jeans for me. Like :a long skirt and a nice comfortable top, shoes that are easy to take off, socks.

Rastaguytoday May 1st, 2007 07:20 AM

I always take my sportscoat on board. If I'm in something other than coach it will be hung up for me. Long hauls I bring my plane socks, compliments of AA, if it's coach, if not another pair will be given to me.

I travel a lot in my business, and it's a common joke when the Greyhound season starts on a plane. Tacky clothes, bags of McDonalds onboard,usually someone carrying a plastic pink flamingo (see these about once a year)and other absurd carryon items.

My parents have told me about the times when people dressed well on planes, but it's now worse than 'casual Fridays' on a plane.

historytraveler May 1st, 2007 07:34 AM

There is no reason why one can't be comfy and still look good.

I usually wear black slacks or capris in a wrinlke resisant fabric, a good ( fabric)long sleeve T-shirt or blouse, and a black blazer. It's an intregal peice of m travel wardrobe. I usually have the attendent hang the blazer. Haven't been cold on a plane for several years. I do snag a blanket or sometimes put a pashima in my carry on. To complete the outfit I wear a scarf. It's so simple but looks great.

As for shoes it depend on the time of year. Loafers in the fall/winter and a sandal type for spring/summer. Travel shoes MUST always be comfy.

kerouac May 1st, 2007 08:06 AM

Dukey, don't you know that you get better service from the flight attendants if you are dressed properly? ;)

likeswords May 1st, 2007 08:09 AM

Wear anything that can accommodate your swelling up slightly over the many, many hours of sitting crammed into a too-small seat with no elbow room. I suggest shoes that you can tighten or loosen easily (my mary janes with a velcro strap were perfect). The problem with other slip-ons is that your feet may swell and make it impossible to slip them back on (this happened to me even when I was in my twenties, so don't think it can't happen to you). If you wear a skirt and you don't have an aisle seat, you have to drag your skirt over somebody every time to try to emerge from your seat, or make that person get up (which he or she may have to do anyway). My last four flights (intercontinental) were ovens, and the planes do have blankets, so I wouldn't worry about being cold (I did have a pashmina squeezed into my purse, but certainly didn't need it). My best outfit was comfortable, somewhat stretchy black slacks (I undid the button at the waist), a non-wrinkle white shirt that hung over the unbuttoned waistband, and mary janes with trouser socks. You will have virtually no room for anything else except a jacket (which you will either sit on for hours or have to stow overhead or under the seat in front of you along with your purse and carry-on). Next trip, I'm bringing my own headphones so I can actually hear the movie!

RNSuzanne May 1st, 2007 08:17 AM

I travel quite a lot for my job... log a lot of miles. So I thought I'd add my two cents.
First, there are some really good posts here. But I especially agree with those who said: 1) Ladies: Chico's Travelers collection... you can look good, and be so much more comfortable than if you were wearing in jeans. Layer, by using a smaller, thinner shell or blouse under another blouse, sweater or jacket (weather appropriate). If I'm in a colder climate, I wear the knit shell underneath another shirt or sweater... that way you don't have to be alone to "change;" you just take the outer layer off/on over the shell. I agree 100% with the very comfortable black slip-ons, but would also advise they have a walker's sole, if you know what I mean. I try to carry a mid- to larger-sized purse, and like it to be in dark colors, like my clothes. I always bring a beautiful pashmina or other shawl... make it a pretty color and you will look good, and be warm when the air is flowing.

missypie May 1st, 2007 09:25 AM

Here is my new "uniform": stylish but comfortable jeans, with a black sweater set. When we had our "involuntary day in London" last summer due to a missed connection, I ended up wearing this outfit two days in a row and I felt great in it. So much so that when we went to Barcelona, I did the same thing - different jeans and different black sweater set, but same concept. Black so it won't show small spills. Sweater set so I can layer. Knit top so no wrinkle worries.

J_Correa May 1st, 2007 10:26 AM

I have found that my hiking pants from Columbia are very comfortable for long plane trips. They look presentable - are a simple style without a bunch of pockets and all of that. They are reasonably wrinkle-resistant, thin enough that I wont bake on a hot plane, but will keep me warm on a chilly plane, and they have a bit of a drawstring in the waist. I wear that with a tee, hoodie, and tennis shoes. It is comfortable and the tennis shoes come in very handy when running between gates or treking across an airport. Plus they are my bulkiest shoes, so by wearing them, they don't take up room in my luggage.

dorie May 1st, 2007 11:13 AM

Velor or cashmere sweatsuit, socks. Comfort with out looking sloppy....

TravMimi May 1st, 2007 11:31 AM

I wear my biggest shoes and my coat if I'm bringing one. I love to pack VERY lightly.

Rastaguytoday May 1st, 2007 01:18 PM

Four things will get one better service on a plane.

Dress Well
Be Polite
Smile
Say Please and Thank You.

Please remember, flight attendants are working. Anything that makes their day better will make your day better.

TVY May 1st, 2007 01:55 PM

We're also traveling that weekend to Italy. I always wear either a velour or cashmere track suit, depending on the season (Juicy has some nice ones). To dress it up, I layer a long sleeve T-shirt, with a cashmere short sleeve T-shirt. I can always take off the cashmere if its too hot. But usually, its too cold. Also, I always carry with me a cheap slipper for bathroom runs. My husband brings a change of clothes to sleep in. Have a great trip.

grandmere May 1st, 2007 05:15 PM

Long black knit skirt; wool in winter, with cashmere twinset.

osnay May 1st, 2007 08:38 PM

Another vote for Chico's travel knits. I wear either the slacks or skirt with a shell top and cardigan/blazer in travel knit over it. The key is layers. And yes, I seem to get better service when dressed nicely. The other nice thing about travel knits is when I get there I can put them in a corner of my suitcase and when it's time to go home they still look terrific!

suze May 1st, 2007 09:01 PM

Cotton knits... black pants, a patterned top of some sort, cardigan sweater or lightweight jacket, comfortable shoes that slip off easily, worn w/ socks (1 pr extra socks and 1 new t-shirt in the carry on to change to freshen up).

I like Chico's travelers pieces, but not for on a plane! They are 100+% synthetic and do not breathe properly.

annw May 1st, 2007 09:15 PM

Black slacks in a breathable, soft knit, or s longish skirt. Short sleeve top, with a v neck or cardigan to go over it. A pashmina style shawl for warmth or sleeping in style.

Usually the cabin I'm in has socks for the trip which work great for the duration.

I am really appreciating my ipod, because I often don't watch the movie.

I'm determined to bring saline nasal spray on my next trip as well.

missmissy May 1st, 2007 09:18 PM

Contrary to some fashion police, all "sweat suits" are not the same. Most celebs, models and younger hip people wear "Juicy" sweats, espeically on long flights. They're cute, very IN fashion and comfy. As for what I wear, it depends on what I'm doing after I land. For our upcoming trip, we'll arrive early in Rome, transfer to our hotel, drop the bags and start touring. So, I'll wear likely wear something black to hide any potential stains and have a sweater in my carryon. I've may opt for my own travel blanket like from Travelsmith. I always get cold on long international flights and you just never know how clean those blankets on the plane are. Hmmmmm Anyway, it's easy to dress comfy without being sloppy. I also like to wear shoes I can slip off. If your feet or ankles tend to swell on long flights this helps. You'll likely find MOST people on an international flight dressed for comfort. You're essentially settling in for hopefully some sleep, so being ALl dressed up isn't very practical. Have a great trip. :)

fishee May 1st, 2007 09:48 PM

Juicy Couture is so late 90's. All those moms climbing out of their SUV's in the parking lot of Costco...

suze May 1st, 2007 09:53 PM

If I know I will need to hit the ground running, I definitely put a clean shirt and fresh undies/socks in my carry-on and freshen up at the arrival airport or in the hotel lobby if you're dropping bags then going back out.

Pendarb May 1st, 2007 11:11 PM

I also like to take my own blanket for overnight flights - I wanted a very lightweight one, so I hemmed two yards of dark blue flannel on either end, and it comes in surprisingly handy on the plane, or sometimes in B&B's when it's a little chilly, plus it folds up very small.

beaupeep May 1st, 2007 11:35 PM

I bring my own blanket because one time my husband and I opened the hermetically sealed plastic bag, took out our blankets and mine reeked of someone who must have had a bad case of air sickness! We called over the flight attendant and he was appalled when he smelled it.


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